The Fresh Loaf

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Is this a sign of my starter going bad?

Teebella's picture
Teebella

Is this a sign of my starter going bad?

It had action on day 2 & 3 after that it slowed down then stopped .. using King Arthur bread flour .. was feeding once a day for 3 days then twice a day.. I accidentally discarded on day two… it’s in my microwave with a paper towel and rubber band … the first few days I had the lid on then switched upon reading .. maybe that’s the problem? Is it saveable? 
my hair accidentally dipped into one of them just a few mins ago should I throw it out? Did I poison them? 

Comments

tpassin's picture
tpassin

Not the lid, and your hair isn't a problem either.  If this is a new starter you are creating and it seemed active for a few days and then quieted down, that's not unusual.  That initial gassy activity is not from the organisms you want.  Keep feeding and it should start to come to life in a few more days.  what is probably happening is that the acid level has been slowly rising and the little critters that produced a little gas earlier don't do well at the more acidic level.  This is just as expected and just what you want. Leaving a lid on is fine.

Teebella's picture
Teebella

Thank you so much!!